This was, by far, the most difficult list to assemble. There are simply too many fantastic and legendary episodes in this series that narrowing it down to only 10 was extremely hard. Due to this elimination process, many classics had to be left off, and I don't entirely love episodes that the critics favor anyway. If you're curious about any particular episode you can always check out my full reviews for each. Of course, these are my personal opinions, and, if you have a problem with that, I'm sure there is a hugbox somewhere you can retreat to. Now, without further ado, I present the best episodes of the Twilight Zone!
Usually I will go through each honorable mention and explain why they missed the cut, but, this time, there were so many I'm simply listing all the possible contenders. Suffice it to say, each episode that didn't make it was just shy of the number 10 spot for tiny reasons. I consider all the honorable mentions to be amazing episodes worthy of high praise.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order): A Penny for Your Thoughts, A World of His Own, A World of Difference, The Howling Man, A Stop at Willoughby, People Are Alike All Over, Perchance to Dream, The Night of the Meek, The Obsolete Man, The New Exhibit, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, The Monsters are Due on Maple Street, I Shot an Arrow Into the Air, Twenty Two
10: Nick of Time (Season 2, Episode 7)
Kicking things off would be my most contentious pick. Realistically, any honorable mention could have fit this slot, but I had to go with something. What's so great about this episode is the dark, paranoid tone enhanced by tremendous intrigue. The fear the characters experience is palpable as they don't know if the events are truly supernatural or they're seeing what they want to see. William Shatner adds a lot of conviction to the main role back when he still cared about his acting. The escalation of the events might be a tad fast, but this story hits all the right notes.
9: The Masks (Season 5, Episode 25)
Though it's not subtle at all, the symbolism here is awesome. This episode addresses the superficial masks people use to hide their true selves. But, in typical, TZ fashion, the characters are forced to confront their true selves when the masks come off both literally and figuratively. On top of that, you have the whole Mardi Gras angle that spices things up too. It's hard to address what makes this episode spectacular in just a mere paragraph so check it out for yourself!
8: Eye of the Beholder (Season 2, Episode 6)
An obvious classic, "Eye of the Beholder" is more than just an episode, it's a general statement about life itself. Exploring themes about what constitutes normalcy, conformity, totalitarianism, etc. this episode goes all over the place quite successfully. This is, of course, not to ignore the wondrous use of camera trickery and an infamous twist. Honestly, few episodes in the series are able to pull off so many incredible plot elements simultaneously. This episode definitely deserves its place among the classics and certainly has its place in TZ 101: essential viewing.
7: A Most Unusual Camera (Season 2, Episode 10)
You really can't go wrong with this amazing episode that seamlessly blends horror and humor. The premise is already cool with a camera that shows the future, but the way the characters banter about its usage is what seals the deal. One minute you are laughing from the jokes, but, at the same time, you're on edge with what the camera will show after a picture is taken. The way this episode was put together is nearly perfect from start to finish. It really is no wonder why many have ripped this story line off over the years.
6: Living Doll (Season 5, Episode 6)
This episode is the clear contender for scariest episode of the series. While TZ is quite tame by today's standards, this story still holds up surprisingly well. Under the right conditions, I think you could still freak people out especially when the story is no-nonsense when it comes to playing it straight. Even the ending is freaky with Talky Tina as the forerunner to Chucky--making him look like the one for the kiddies.
5: To Serve Man (Season 3, Episode 24)
I cannot stress the deserved legendary status for this episode enough. As I mentioned in my original review, you have all the best elements of TZ wrapped up in this episode. The themes are timeless as little would have to be changed in the plot to make it apply to today's world. Plus, you have a 4th wall break and that notorious twist. IT'S A COOKBOOK! Oh man, it never gets old. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this episode in any shape or form.
4: A Game of Pool (Season 3, Episode 5)
TZ may be known for crazy twists and sci-fi stories, but this episode thoroughly demonstrated that's not the only thing they had to show; you don't always need to rely on TZ staples to tell a compelling and thought-provoking tale. This is simply the challenge of one man against another in order to prove who is the best. The banter between the two leads is priceless, and the tension is hard to surpass. The themes and lessons of the episode are timeless, important, and applicable to all aspects of life and even people. It may be overshadowed by other classics, but definitely do not ignore this gem of the series.
3: Walking Distance (Season 1, Episode 5)
The winner of my Top 10 Underrated list, it should come as no shock this episode makes a triumphant return. There is just something magical about this episode that encompasses what TZ is all about. The exploration of both nostalgia and the longing for youthful innocence and happiness creates a kind of touching and emotional experience. I think any audience can relate to the main character as he longs for simpler days when his life was carefree. The story's retrospection is complemented well by the music, and this episode really nailed a topic that TZ would retouch upon multiple times. I can never get enough of this episode which is why I bring it up all the time.
2: Five Characters in Search of an Exit (Season 3, Episode 14)
Now this is how you tell an anthology tale: a beautifully crafted mystery that completely sucks the viewer into the speculation and intrigue. Who are these characters and where are they? The reveal is definitely startling and should have anyone questioning their own reality. TZ has many reality-bending episodes, but this is the one that truly succeeded in leaving a lasting impression. Besides all of that, this is simply a badass premise to begin with that only gets better as it goes. It also helps that this is a timeless tale--making it that much more powerful and relevant.
And the best episode in the entire series is...(Drumroll!)
1: The Hitch-Hiker (Season 1, Episode 16)
For me, this episode is in a league of its own. You have numerous plot elements at play that come together perfectly to tell the series', hands down, best episode. The somber music, a dark and ominous atmosphere, a mind-blowing twist--all pulled together masterfully by the beautiful Inger Stevens as the lead. Ms. Stevens brings such conviction and a genuine sense of dread to the role that it transfers readily to the viewer. The entire weight of the episode was carried on her shoulders, and she successfully pulled it off and then some. If the atmosphere weren't enough, the mystery keeps you totally entranced as you arrive with Ms. Stevens at the surprising revelation at the end. As I stated in my review, this episode resonates with me on a different level altogether, and I absolutely adore and love this episode to no end. If you can only watch one episode of TZ in your life make it this episode! You will not regret it one bit.
